K-State's new distance-based doctorate program in personal financial planning is in demand.
The new program, launched in summer 2009, is receiving inquiries and applications on a daily basis, with much of the interest stemming from a desire to obtain the research skills to help others make better daily household financial decisions, according to program organizers.
"We've seen a very strong interest in the program from financial services practitioners, graduate students and others who are looking for a way to pursue an advanced degree without having to sacrifice their career and family life," said John Grable, K-State professor of personal financial planning. "The demand for the doctorate indicates the respect the financial planning community has for K-State."
Though most course work is conducted online, organizers call the program a hybrid because students come to campus for an intense 10-day course in the summer. The fourth summer of the program, students travel abroad to see firsthand how global markets work and how they affect financial planning in the United States and worldwide. The arrangement enables students to earn their doctorate in as little as five years.
The degree fulfills the educational requirement for designation as a registered financial consultant, registered financial associate, certified retirement counselor or accredited financial counselor. The program also is registered with the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc., which allows graduates to take the national Certified Financial Planner examination.
The program's first group had nine students from across the U.S. The second cohort of students will begin studies in August.
More information on the program, which is part of K-State's School of Family Studies and Human Services, is available at http://www.ipfp.k-state.edu/programs/doctoral/